The Joys of Lent

Just the Sunday before Ash Wednesday I celebrated Mass at St Mary in Westcliffe, also blessing a beautiful altar and tabernacle they have just installed.  The parishioners had been working on renovating the church, with beautiful new stained-glass windows, and we had much to celebrate.  Driving back on beautiful sunlit mountain roads, no other cars in sight, I let my mind drift, and….sure enough, suddenly there were red and blue lights flashing in my rear view mirror.  The deputy sheriff was young and professional, addressing me, “Sir, the reason I stopped you is that you were exceeding the speed limit.  Were you aware of this?”  “No sir.”  “Can I see your license, registration and insurance?”

After checking these out in his car, he returned asking, “Sir, are you aware that your insurance card is two years out of date?”  (What???) “No, officer, I did not,” and he went back to his car.  I figured, well, I have been lucky enough but there wasn’t much question about this one.  I had just cleaned the car and forgot to replace the outdated insurance card.  Now I was going to pay.  Then the officer came back.

Driving back on beautiful sunlit mountain roads, no other cars in sight, I let my mind drift, and….sure enough, suddenly there were red and blue lights flashing in my rear view mirror. 

He looks me straight in the eye.  “Sir, do you have insurance?”  “Yes, officer, I do.”  So, then he says, “Since it’s Sunday I’m going to let you go.  This time.  But you are not to speed again.  You are going to watch the signs and follow the speed limits from now on.  And when you get back to your diocese you are going to pray ten Hail Marys.  Here’s my card if you have any further questions.”   I could only shake my head, smile and say, “Thank you, officer, tonight I’m putting your card in my prayer book.  I will pray for you and your family.” 

As I drove on, well under the speed limit, I reflected, what a wonderful way to start Lent.  All the elements of reconciliation and repentance are here.  We have sinned, we are caught, we are sorry, we are forgiven, and we can make reparation.  We even get some penance. It doesn’t always happen this easily in the real world.  However, this young officer, with some humor, brought me right back into thinking about how easily this all works with God.  We simply have to ask. 

As I drove on, well under the speed limit, I reflected, what a wonderful way to start Lent.

Brothers and sisters, we are deep into the forty days and forty nights which lead to Easter.  We are probably okay, morally speaking.  That’s not the question.  There is somebody who wants us to be drawn outside ourselves and experience a new Resurrection.  An offer for a deeper movement is now at hand. 

It’s time to repent.  We have all sinned.  Forgiveness is freely given.  Attend your church services, find the stations of the cross in your sanctuary, go to confession as needed, pray, fast, and find some new way to give to the poor.  We can never repay the debt Christ has paid for us.  But now, Jesus speaks, Come to me.  Let me be, again and more, a part of your life.  Jesus calls us to simply be with Him.

Have a joyful Lent, and don’t forget to say your Hail Marys.  You and your families are always in my prayers.  God bless.

+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg

 Bishop of Pueblo

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